Blog Layout

Alabama Record Swordfish

R. Ken Cooper • September 16, 2006

448 lb Swordfish caught by Del Sawyer on the Sea Reaper III

Gulf of Mexico Record Swordfish
(OBA®) - Exactly 2 years to the day, and almost to the exact hour, that Hurricane Ivan struck Orange Beach, the Alabama State Swordfish record was broken. Angler Del Sawyer, along with Captain Randy (Goat Roper) Howland and Captain Robby Griffiths, and crew of the Sea Reaper III, hooked the Swordfish at 3:45 am. Angler Del Sawyer fought, while standing up, for 3 hours and 45 minutes before landing the trophy swordfish.

This record breaking catch took place in the Gulf of Mexico about 70 miles southwest of Orange Beach, AL in 1,500 feet of water. Del landed the big fish using a Penn International 50 W Reel with Power Pro 100 lb test line. Squid (with a Hydro Glow light-stick) was used as bait.

Word started spreading around town that the Sea Reaper III was on its way in with a record breaking swordfish. Locals started gathering at the Orange Beach Marina to see the trophy. The Sea Reaper III pulled into the dock at about 3:00 pm on Saturday afternoon and unveiled the catch. Unbelievable! The monster weighed in at 448 pounds.

According to Alabama Outdoors, the previous state record for a swordfish caught in the Gulf of Mexico was 350 lbs, 12 ozs. and was set in 2005. If this information is correct, the Sea Reaper III's Fishing Team shattered the previous record by 97 pounds.

Photos of the Alabama Record Swordfish being weighed in at the dock.
Sea Reaper III Fishing Boat

Share this article w/ Friends...

Gulf Coast Spring Break
By OBA Staff February 26, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores and Orange Beach started their "Safe Spring Break" rules many years ago and the plan appears to have paid off among college students. Historic spring break party beaches are now telling students they do not want them to visit. Locations like Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Panama City have now adopted many of the rules that the Alabama beach towns introduced almost a decade ago.
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
By R. Ken Cooper February 26, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Mardi Gras 2025 is set to bring vibrant parades, lively events, and a wave of festive spirit to the Gulf Coast, with celebrations spanning Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, Fort Morgan, and more. From the dazzling evening floats of the Mystics of Pleasure to the unique boat parade at LuLu's in Gulf Shores, locals and visitors alike can look forward to a packed schedule of activities. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun or a spirited Fat Tuesday celebration, the Gulf Coast’s Mardi Gras events promise something for everyone.
Foley Celebrates 44 Years of Arbor Day Tradition
By Guy Busby February 26, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley's 44th Arbor Day, celebrated on Saturday, February 22nd, was a bustling event focused on community and environmental improvement. Residents showed up in large numbers, forming lines to receive hundreds of free trees and seeds for butterfly gardens. The event also provided a platform for disseminating information on how residents could contribute to a greener and healthier community.
ADPH Urges Parents to Vaccinate Kids Against Measles
By OBA Staff February 26, 2025
Montgomery, Ala. – (OBA) – The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles, a highly contagious and serious illness. In early 2025, measles cases have been increasing in several states, including Texas and Georgia. Unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to the virus have a 90% chance of getting infected, and those who contract measles can spread it for up to three weeks.
Gulf Shores Spring Concert Series Features Award-Winning Artists
By OBA Staff February 25, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Gulf Shores has announced the lineup for the 2025 Spring Music at Meyer Park concert series. These free concerts will take place at Meyer Park, located at 400 E 22nd Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m. on select Thursdays in March.
GlenLakes Golf Course
By OBA Staff February 25, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Golf enthusiasts and community supporters are gearing up for the annual Sheriff Taylor Wilkins Memorial Golf Tournament, hosted by the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Foundation. Scheduled for March 14, 2025, the event will take place at the picturesque GlenLakes Golf Course in Foley, Alabama. This highly anticipated tournament offers a day of friendly competition and serves a greater cause, raising essential funds and awareness for the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Foundation's programs.
From Parades to Craft Clubs, Here’s What’s Happening This Week on the Gulf Coast
By Jessica A. Taylor February 24, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – This week along the Alabama Gulf Coast offers a diverse array of events and activities that cater to all ages and interests. From engaging educational experiences at local attractions to vibrant cultural celebrations and community gatherings, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore the wild side at the zoo, get creative at a local craft club, enjoy live music with scenic views, or join in the festive Mardi Gras spirit, the Gulf Coast has it all. As winter transitions into spring, it’s the perfect time to discover new experiences and revisit familiar favorites along the coast.
Gulf Shores Plans Citywide Service Event on February 27
By OBA Staff February 24, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores City Schools have announced the return of "Gulf Shores Gives Back," a community-wide service day set for February 27, 2025. This event follows last year's success, which saw over 3,000 participants completing more than 100 projects.
Orange Beach Middle/High School - Photo by Shelley Patterson, C-Shelz Photography
By OBA Staff February 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools (OBCS) and the Mako Academics, Arts, and Athletics Club (MAAAC) have announced a unified sponsorship program for the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative coincides with the upcoming opening of a $46.1 million athletic complex in the summer of 2025.
Sunset Will be at 6:55 PM in Orange Beach in Two Weeks, on March 9th
By OBA Staff February 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Two weeks from today, on Sunday, March 9th, we will move our clocks ahead one hour as we go back on to Daylight Saving Time (DST). Clocks spring forward by one hour at 2 a.m. local time. This shift results in later sunrise and sunset times. On this date, sunrise is at 7:07 a.m., and sunset is at 6:55 p.m., providing approximately 11 hours and 48 minutes of daylight.
Show More
Share by: